Love Among the City Lights

Office Romance: HeeJin and Eun-woo HeeJin had always been fiercely independent. Love was never a priority—not when she had deadlines to meet, clients to impress, and a career to build. While her colleagues chatted about relationships over coffee breaks, she remained focused on climbing the corporate ladder. That was until Eun-woo arrived. From the moment the new team leader stepped into the office, he commanded attention. He was confident, effortlessly charming, and had a sharp mind that made every meeting more engaging. HeeJin told herself she wouldn’t fall for someone like him—someone who could make hearts race with just a glance. But resisting Eun-woo turned out to be more difficult than she expected. Their connection started off as nothing more than teamwork. Assigned to the company’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, they spent countless hours brainstorming, exchanging ideas, and troubleshooting problems. Eun-woo was more than just a charismatic leader—he was kind, patient, and supportive. When the team struggled, he lifted their spirits. When HeeJin felt overwhelmed, he was the first to remind her of her worth. One evening, with a crucial deadline approaching, they were the last two in the office. The only sound was the soft clatter of keyboards and the occasional sigh of exhaustion. "You’ve been at this for hours," Eun-woo said, leaning back in his chair. HeeJin glanced at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "So have you." He checked the time and frowned. "It’s late. Let me give you a ride home." HeeJin hesitated. She wasn’t the type to accept favors easily, but something in his gaze made her nod. "Okay." The ride was quiet, almost too quiet. The air between them was thick with unspoken words, their unsaid feelings lingering in the space between the seats. When they reached her apartment, Eun-woo parked the car but didn’t move to leave. Instead, he turned to her, his voice softer than usual. "Would you like to have dinner with me sometime this week?" HeeJin’s heart skipped a beat. She should have said no. Office relationships were complicated. Messy. Dangerous. But as she looked into his warm, expectant eyes, she found herself saying, "I’d like that." That dinner led to another. And another. Before she knew it, they were sneaking glances in meetings, exchanging secret smiles in the hallway, and slipping away to the rooftop garden during lunch breaks. But love in the workplace came with consequences. The whispers started slowly, creeping through the office like an unwelcome draft. "Did you hear about HeeJin and the team leader?" "She must be getting special treatment." "This could ruin her career." At first, HeeJin tried to ignore the rumors. But with every glance from her colleagues and every hushed conversation that stopped when she walked into a room, doubt crept in. Was this a mistake? Was her hard-earned reputation being overshadowed by her feelings for Eun-woo? Sensing her unease, Eun-woo took her aside one evening, his fingers brushing against hers. "Are you worried about what people are saying?" She exhaled slowly. "I just don’t want this to affect my work. I don’t want people thinking I’ve gotten here because of you." Eun-woo’s expression softened. "You worked for everything you have, HeeJin. No one can take that away from you." He reached for her hand, squeezing gently. "But if this is too much for you, if you need space, I understand." HeeJin looked at him, really looked at him. This wasn’t just a fleeting office romance. This was real. And if she let fear dictate her choices, she’d regret it for the rest of her life. She laced her fingers through his and shook her head. "I don’t need space. I just need you." As the sun set over the city, they sat on the rooftop, their hands entwined. The whispers, the judgment, the office politics—it all faded into insignificance. "I love you," HeeJin whispered. Eun-woo smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I love you too." And as he leaned in to kiss her, the world around them disappeared.